Postoperative hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis associated with intracameral vancomycin prophylaxis during cataract surgery.

We present the case of a 75-year-old man who had uneventful cataract surgery and administration of intracameral vancomycin for endophthalmitis prophylaxis, followed by the same procedure in the fellow eye 1 week later. The patient subsequently developed bilateral hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis, resulting in profound vision loss in both eyes. A second case of hemorrhagic occlusive retinal vasculitis previously reported from our institution is summarized. That case was characterized by a far milder course, with rapid resolution of vision loss. The 2 cases illustrate the broad range of toxicity potentially associated with intracameral vancomycin, suggest that bilateral administration results in a worse prognosis, and indicate that this disorder may be underrecognized due to the potential for a mild course. We recommend that intracameral vancomycin not be used for endophthalmitis prophylaxis. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.